Daiwa Lexa 100 Input Needed 2024
rippin-lips reply :
Ok so I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger on a lexa 100. I've looked for reviews but there aren't many and a handful are negative. I can pick one up for $109 bnib. I can get a tournament pro for $135 which all I own is Lews reels because they are great for the $. So I know exactly what I'm getting since I already own 3 Tp's. I just have this feeling it can't be that great of a reel, especially since its $109 now. I'm thinking of demoing one from TW first. What I'm asking for is input from people who actually own this reel and own or have used a TP. What are your thoughts on the two in a head to head. Thanks in advance BR
RyneB reply :
dont hesitate. I love mine. I have all Abus, a curado (recently sold). I would trade in all my Revo Ss for Lexas if i could. My favorite reel is my Gen 2 Premier, followed by my MGX, then the Lexa. It is my first Daiwa, so maybe im just blinded by the name. But i went into it trying to find anything wrong with it. I would go as far as saying if it wasnt for the weight difference, i would prefer it over the MGX. It is one of the smoothest casting reels i have ever had the pleasure of using. I put a carbon fiber handle on it with EVA foam knobs and put it on a Rage rod. It is a combo that is very very fun to fish. Looks awesome too.
rippin-lips reply :
What are you using it for? I'm planning on weightless senkos,flukes,wacky worms. Maybe with a small amount of weight at times. Weighted swim bait hooks,tungsten wacky weights, tungsten bullet weights 1/16- 1/4
Crookedneck reply :
I don't own one but, I was looking at one last week. I handled that and a Lew's TP. I did not like the Lexa as much. It wasn't bad, it just didn't seem as smooth as the Lews. I have not fished either, I am shopping too. Do you have anywhere close you can pick one up and mess around with?
rippin-lips reply :
No the closet bps or cabelas is 2hrs away. There's a gander mtn an hour away.
RyneB reply :
On 3/16/2013 at 8:02 AM, rippin-lips said:What are you using it for? I'm planning on weightless senkos,flukes,wacky worms. Maybe with a small amount of weight at times. Weighted swim bait hooks,tungsten wacky weights, tungsten bullet weights 1/16- 1/4
I have it on a 7-4 heavy Rage rod with 15lb Seaguar red label. So it is used for heavier presentations. But i know for a fact there are a few guys on here who use it as a finesse setup. I have never fished a Lews so i cant compare. But im pretty sure that you would not be dissapointed. Like i said, i went into it wanting to hate it (im an abu guy) and i am so impressed that i will be working on switching my S's to Lexas. If you get one and dont like it, i would be willing to give you $100 as long as its a right hand reel and you ship it for free. Or work on a trade with one of my Gen 1 revo Ss
rippin-lips reply :
It'll be a lefty or that would almost be a reason to buy one haha
RyneB reply :
On 3/16/2013 at 12:24 PM, rippin-lips said:It'll be a lefty or that would almost be a reason to buy one haha
bummer. I hope some of the other Lexa owners jump in. We are few, but i have yet to see anyone who owned one not like it. DarrenM was one of the first on here to write a report. I talked to him and he told me it was a great reel. Im glad i took his advice.
rippin-lips reply :
Yeah me too. I've seen a few of his posts pushing it pretty hard but that's about the only one. Like I said I own all Lews reels and there are 1,000 posts or more from people who love them so you can't really go wrong with a tournament pro. I know jdm Daiwa stuff has a great following. I'll probably demo 1 first before a but it.
lmbfisherman reply :
I own two, but can't compare how good they are vs the Lew's you were looking at. I have been able to practice casting with it and it seems pretty smooth and it reels pretty well. I definitely think it's worth getting at that price, not sure if I'd pay full price (yet) as I haven't been able to use it on the water just purchased them last week. I also like the profile, as I don't have big hands..it was pretty comfortable palming it.
There is one thing I noticed, I think it was posted by someone on the board already, but the Lexa has an issue with the latest Shimano reel seats. Basically, I wouldn't recommend using them on those rods. It wasn't just Shimano though, I was testing it on a St. Croix Triumph I have and it barely was able to fit, but it wasn't a big issue just had a adjust a little and it was ok. Did have a problem on my Avids though, on both rods it balanced very well. That is my only complaint about the reel so far. I bought both of mine at a very good price, one under 90 the other under 80.
jhoffman reply :
The lexa is only $109 at a few places. Most places it retails $140
Intruder 150 reply :
I have 3 Lexa 100PL I use for cranks and I love them, great reels.....And they fit the reel seats fine on my Avids.
21farms reply :
i spent a lot of time on the water with mine this week on two fishing trips. i have the low-speed version and i was throwing #7 balsa shad raps with it. so far, i'm really impressed. it really does cast light lures pretty well. what's more, it is smooth. i really like the 90mm handle (why don't more companies use 90mm handles??? 80mm is way too short, 85mm is okay but 95mm is kinda long...90mm is perfect) and how easy it is to thread line from the spool out the line guide because of the elongated shape (if you have revos, you know how difficult that can be in low light a full spool). i only wish it were a little lighter and the design of the sideplate were a little sexier.
Darren. reply :
I'm here!
Paired it up with a 6'6" St. Croix Premier, M/F stick.
Using 20 lb braid mainline, leaders of various materials and pound tests.
Zero problems. Every time I have it out I feel better about the purchase. Love the reel.
On 3/16/2013 at 8:02 AM, rippin-lips said:What are you using it for? I'm planning on weightless senkos,flukes,wacky worms. Maybe with a small amount of weight at times. Weighted swim bait hooks,tungsten wacky weights, tungsten bullet weights 1/16- 1/4
I use mine for throwing weightless senkos, light to heavy TX rigs, jigs, spinnerbaits, etc. Nothing here is really outside of the possibility, providing your line and rod are capable. Not sure I'd do a MH to throw the weightless stuff unless the rod loads up well. I've never owned a BC reel before that hardly ever backlashes. And when I say backlash for the Lexa, it's not bad at all.
bass1980 reply :
If you can get a TP for $135 then look no further. I have a Lexa and have handled a TP. I don't think they are in the same league and is not fair to evaluate the Lexa to the TP. The Lexa does cast light stuff pretty well and smooth. However it is not as smooth on the retrieve as the TP, but anything under $200 will be hard to beat the TP in smoothness.
Overall the Lexa has had a really good reviews from users. I think they are pushing the Lexa hard to be a player in the Curado, Citica, Revo SX, S, Quantum Energy, and Lews MG market. Daiwa's bread and butter reels are $300 plus. They finally got a reel under $200 that is respectable IMO.
RyneB reply :
On 3/17/2013 at 3:25 AM, bass1980 said:If you can get a TP for $135 then look no further. I have a Lexa and have handled a TP. I don't think they are in the same league and is not fair to evaluate the Lexa to the TP. The Lexa does cast light stuff pretty well and smooth. However it is not as smooth on the retrieve as the TP, but anything under $200 will be hard to beat the TP in smoothness.
Overall the Lexa has had a really good reviews from users. I think they are pushing the Lexa hard to be a player in the Curado, Citica, Revo SX, S, Quantum Energy, and Lews MG market. Daiwa's bread and butter reels are $300 plus. They finally got a reel under $200 that is respectable IMO.
Really? I have to own a Lews TP then. My gen 2 Premier that is super tuned and upgraded Abec 7 bearings isnt that much smoother than my bone stock Lexa. Is the TP a smoother caster than the Lexa? Thats where i feel the Lexa shines compared to the Revo Ss. The TP must be a great reel for someone to say the Lexa isnt in the same league.
ghost reply :
I bought one a couple weeks ago and I can tell you it`s a really good reel to use. Fits the hand nicely and did not have any backlash.
I had the RevoS 3rd gen and did not like the braking system or how low the main gear sat, it intruded with how I held the reel and rod.
Had no problem dialing it in and getting long casts. I use mine for all techs
bass1980 reply :
Unless I got a bad reel from a bad batch, yes IMO the TP is a notch above the Lexa. I'm not braise towards any brands, in fact I'm really just beginning to use baitcaster a lot. However with many friends I have the opportunity to try out various reels for the day. For me I have relatively small hands so the Lews just felt better to palm and its 1.3 oz lighter. It really is a smooth reel right out of the box. Don't get me wrong, the Lexa felt great too.
Hooligan reply :
Dollar for dollar I think the Lexa is one of the better built reels out there. I'm extremely happy with the Lexa reels that I've purchased and tested. They're well built, have excellent components and this far have performed quite solidly.
I'm willing to say that the Lexa actually outperforms the TP under most circumstances. It handles lighter baits better in my experience. The drag is also much more reliable on the Lexa.
rippin-lips reply :
Do you own a TP hooligan? I've never had any drag issues on mine. Lexa seems like a solid reel but the majority are saying it won't compare to a TP.
Bass Junkie reply :
I was as to handle a Lexa recently. It was smooth, and very solid. I loved the handle, although the knobs might take a little getting used to. I am not interested in purchasing one for three specific reasons:
1. The spool shaft is a solid, through frame design. While this is not a end-all for me, I don't like the fact that it was in an $140 reel.
2. The fixed inductor. I prefer the standard, mobile inductor. It tends to handle lighter weights better, as long as the angler has an educated thumb.
3. The lack of a spool-supporting bearing in the handle side plate. Especially on a spool shaft through design, I'd really like to see a bearing there.
I also did not like how the star drag was designed. It is similar to those on the Sol/Alphas platform, and too thin. Not that it is susceptible to bending, but it tends to dig into your fingers every time you adjust it. I much would have preferred a thicker star drag. For the MSRP, I feel Daiwa could have done slightly better, but it is probably the best $140 reel made in the last few years. I do think it will be around for a while though, and that Shimano is in trouble if they think they can compete with the current Curado....
lmbfisherman reply :
On 3/18/2013 at 4:09 AM, Bass Junkie said:I was as to handle a Lexa recently. It was smooth, and very solid. I loved the handle, although the knobs might take a little getting used to. I am not interested in purchasing one for three specific reasons:
1. The spool shaft is a solid, through frame design. While this is not a end-all for me, I don't like the fact that it was in an $140 reel.
2. The fixed inductor. I prefer the standard, mobile inductor. It tends to handle lighter weights better, as long as the angler has an educated thumb.
3. The lack of a spool-supporting bearing in the handle side plate. Especially on a spool shaft through design, I'd really like to see a bearing there.
I also did not like how the star drag was designed. It is similar to those on the Sol/Alphas platform, and too thin. Not that it is susceptible to bending, but it tends to dig into your fingers every time you adjust it. I much would have preferred a thicker star drag. For the MSRP, I feel Daiwa could have done slightly better, but it is probably the best $140 reel made in the last few years. I do think it will be around for a while though, and that Shimano is in trouble if they think they can compete with the current Curado....
I think you hit it right on the head. I think this reel is a foot in the door to compete against the Curado line. Especially the price point, just under the normal 159 usually asked for the Curado. You can actually get the Lexa 100 regular price if you look around below the 139 mark. Sail has the Lexa 100 at 119, it didn't say it was a sale price either. Good competition imo is good for us consumers. I'll probably get more of these reels if the ones I bought impress me on the water (I haven't tested mine on water, but feels well good in my hand). To replace my Quantum Energy PT and CU200. Good reels, but they just don't feel as comfortable with them as my other reels.
0119 reply :
See what I meant Darren? You cant give a reel review here. Too many brand militia's come out of the wood work. They will fight to the death to convince themselves that the reel they bought is the worlds only choice.
Darren. reply :
On 3/18/2013 at 7:43 AM, 119 said:See what I meant Darren? You cant give a reel review here. Too many brand militia's come out of the wood work. They will fight to the death to convince themselves that the reel they bought is the worlds only choice.
Yeah... Loud n' clear. I may still give it a go, though! LOL.
rippin-lips reply :
I agree with 0119 in a way. Mainly seems that way with Shimano fans but not really everyone else. I've handled-bought-fished a handful of companies but never a Daiwa. Was going to buy a zillion at a local tackle shop that someone ordered and never picked up. So all I had to do was pay the stores cost but it sold already. The Lews Tp is a $300 reel with a $150 price tag on it. So I'm hard pressed to buy something for $100 that seems to have a handful of negatives about it but I'm also willing to try it out if enough people can convince me it's really worth it.
Hooligan reply :
On 3/18/2013 at 3:53 AM, rippin-lips said:Do you own a TP hooligan? I've never had any drag issues on mine. Lexa seems like a solid reel but the majority are saying it won't compare to a TP.
I don't speak on things that I do not own, have not owned, or have extensive experience with.
rippin-lips reply :
Great that good news. So many people do. That's why I asked.On 3/18/2013 at 9:10 AM, Hooligan said:I don't speak on things that I do not own, have not owned, or have extensive experience with.
Darren. reply :
On 3/18/2013 at 8:44 AM, rippin-lips said:I agree with 0119 in a way. Mainly seems that way with Shimano fans but not really everyone else. I've handled-bought-fished a handful of companies but never a Daiwa. Was going to buy a zillion at a local tackle shop that someone ordered and never picked up. So all I had to do was pay the stores cost but it sold already. The Lews Tp is a $300 reel with a $150 price tag on it. So I'm hard pressed to buy something for $100 that seems to have a handful of negatives about it but I'm also willing to try it out if enough people can convince me it's really worth it.
Let me say that I hear and understand your point.
I am not a gear junkie (though my wife thinks otherwise). I predominately fish two (now 3) spinning rigs, and 1 bait casting rig. I have others, but the Lexa is so far and away superior to my Accurists it floors me. Given limited space in my yak, I choose 2-4 rods only.
As well, I've got two Shimano Stradics and now a Lexa 2000 spinning reel. I consider the Stradics top shelf, but am completely floored at the quality and fish ability of the Lexa. I can't speak to the longevity of the Lexa. None of us can. But it *feels* as good as, if not better than, my Stradics. So far.
I say this to simply draw the point that based on my experience, the Lexa *series* of reels is excellent, especially for the price of entry. I do not own, nor have I fished Lews reels. I can speak for the Lexa compared to my Accurists. But others who have both, as well as Curados, etc., can speak from their experience.
Get the one you feel best about. Rent the Lexa from TW if you really want to try it first. There is a YouTube video of a guy that compares a Lews to a Lexa. He loved the feel of the Lexa, but thought the Lews cast light lures better. Perhaps it does. I don't know, may never experience a Lews. I went Lexa and that's that. I'm happy with what it does for my needs.
flippin and pitchin reply :
If you need someone to convince you to buy a reel, you may want to back up and reconsider.
0119 reply :
To me it looks like the shimano posse has been run out of town by the lews posse. They seem just as pushy too.
MrSwimJig reply :
I have not used the Lexa but have seen it and talked to a few local guys that have tried it out and they are very impressed with it. It does not to be very heavy and is very smooth. I really like the way you feel connected to the reel. Smooth but yet you can feel the gears, does that make sense. The guys I have talked with have been impressed with the way it is casts and are very impressed with the drag system so far. Only time will tell. But I am definitely keeping an eye on this reel.
PABASS reply :
Recently watch a review of one on youtube by teamripnlipz I believe, good review and he states that these reels are good with light baits. I am looking to get a sub $150 bc this year and my eye is on the lexa..
rippin-lips reply :
I watched a comparison video on there. It was the bb1z vs the Lexa. The Lews beat it 3/4 categories including weightless senko. He said it would of been 4/4 if he'd had a little more time probably. I'm still eying it up but now only if I find a used one around $70. It seems like a good $100 reel but not great. I wanted to get into the daiwa market but it seems like their jdm reels are really where it's at.
WCCT reply :
Don't hesitate. Great real at an awesome price. I am starting to switch all of my reels out to the Lexa's. It just gives me more money in my pocket to spend on other stuff.
Bass Junkie reply :
On 3/18/2013 at 9:42 PM, 119 said:To me it looks like the shimano posse has been run out of town by the lews posse. They seem just as pushy too.
Too true.... 
J Francho reply :
On 3/18/2013 at 10:55 PM, rippin-lips said:I watched a comparison video on there. It was the bb1z vs the Lexa. The Lews beat it 3/4 categories including weightless senko. He said it would of been 4/4 if he'd had a little more time probably. I'm still eying it up but now only if I find a used one around $70. It seems like a good $100 reel but not great. I wanted to get into the daiwa market but it seems like their jdm reels are really where it's at.
Three different types of line makes this comparo total bunk. Note, the Lexa is $20 less, and the cranker has instant anti reverse.
rippin-lips reply :
Very possible about the line. I'm not interested in anything but the 6:3:1 or 7:1:1 but that is a nice feature.
RyneB reply :
On 3/18/2013 at 10:55 PM, rippin-lips said:I watched a comparison video on there. It was the bb1z vs the Lexa. The Lews beat it 3/4 categories including weightless senko. He said it would of been 4/4 if he'd had a little more time probably. I'm still eying it up but now only if I find a used one around $70. It seems like a good $100 reel but not great. I wanted to get into the daiwa market but it seems like their jdm reels are really where it's at.
you keep saying its not a great reel for $100, yet everyone on here who has one says its great. I think you would be hard pressed to find a better $200 reel.
Bass Junkie reply :
On 3/19/2013 at 9:00 AM, RyneB said:you keep saying its not a great reel for $100, yet everyone on here who has one says its great. I think you would be hard pressed to find a better $200 reel.
Exactly. Granted, I have not fished it, but I was impressed enough to be certain there is no $100 reel out there that can touch it. Unless the reel implodes after it's third week on the water, and from viewing the internals, it won't, it's going to take a very, very nice reel to top it.
rippin-lips reply :
I said it once and I also said I'd pick one up if I find a used one for around $70. It's not a $200 reel imo. That'd be a used zillion. I'm not going to pay $109 for it when for $24 more I can get another TP. Which is certainly a $200 reel and personally it out shines some $300 reels. Gathered from everything I've read and heard plus I personally own a handful of them. The daiwa is heavier,larger,lacks spool bearings amongst other things mentioned here. I'm not throwing the idea of getting one out but I'm not going to buy it at full price. To me it honestly seems like a glorified bps pq. I could be wrong too. I plan on purchasing some Daiwa reels and was hoping the lexa would fit the bill but it seems like I'll have to get into their jdm stuff to be able to get what I'm looking for. Money doesn't concern me when it comes to good equipment. I'll spend extra all day long to get twice the product.On 3/19/2013 at 9:00 AM, RyneB said:you keep saying its not a great reel for $100, yet everyone on here who has one says its great. I think you would be hard pressed to find a better $200 reel.
From what's been said by other members. You have a few that only handled the reel. A few that fish them and like it but can't compare it to a TP. A few that say it doesn't compare to a TP at all. One said it out performs TP. I'm not seeing anything that stands out here except the one person who owns both. Which is what I asked in my initial post. Reviews from people with experience with both.
I can get a lexa for $95 shipped so if you're a lefty PayPal me $100. I'll order one and spool it with #14 fluoro and fish it a few times. If I like it I'll send you a refund. If I don't you'll receive a new lexa spooled with fluoro for $100.
flippin and pitchin reply :
I used to race motocross. Over the years I switched manufactures and models, always looking to find a bike that fit my riding style and budget. The funny part was there were races where I would get beat by riders competing on the manufacturer and model I changed from. The point is, regardless of what rode, we all enjoyed the experience of racing.
rippin-lips reply :
I race Gncc so I can relate to that.
papajoe222 reply :
The majority of the reels I own are Daiwas and other than the fact that they are on the heavy side (Except the Sol) I can't find fault with the smoothness, castability and drags. One thing I really like about their reels is the ability to enguage the spool without turning the handle. The Lexa is a step up from the Exceller and although that reel got a bum rap IMO, I have two, including one I use for deep cranking and they both perform flawlessly. Don't get me wrong, I doubt if this model can compete with a Curado, but it should hold it's own against the Lews
rippin-lips reply :
Here comes the Shimano guy haha. I'm just messing with you. What about all the people who say the curado can't hold it's own with the Lews TP? See it's a never ending vicious cycle. I've fished a Curado but I don't remember what model but it didn't compare IMO.On 3/19/2013 at 10:14 AM, papajoe222 said:The majority of the reels I own are Daiwas and other than the fact that they are on the heavy side (Except the Sol) I can't find fault with the smoothness, castability and drags. One thing I really like about their reels is the ability to enguage the spool without turning the handle. The Lexa is a step up from the Exceller and although that reel got a bum rap IMO, I have two, including one I use for deep cranking and they both perform flawlessly. Don't get me wrong, I doubt if this model can compete with a Curado, but it should hold it's own against the Lews
Diggy reply :
Id like a 300 version for inshore
fowlskies reply :
You're obviously in love with the Lews TP, so whats the point of this thread anymore??? 
I lost where you're going with this, if money is no object when it comes to reels then why are you not asking about the pixy or their higher end offerings? Its a Lexa which has good reviews for its price point. Buy it, if you like it good if you don't, sell it and we'll all see you on here pimping Lews to the point where you'd think they were paying you.
Your trying to compare two things that are not even at fair price points to begin with and if you don't mind spending the extra $24 to step up to that price point then you have already answered your question.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 3/19/2013 at 10:30 PM, fowlskies said:You're obviously in love with the Lews TP, so whats the point of this thread anymore???
I lost where you're going with this, if money is no object when it comes to reels then why are you not asking about the pixy or their higher end offerings? Its a Lexa which has good reviews for its price point. Buy it, if you like it good if you don't, sell it and we'll all see you on here pimping Lews to the point where you'd think they were paying you.
Your trying to compare two things that are not even at fair price points to begin with and if you don't mind spending the extra $24 to step up to that price point then you have already answered your question.
x2
rippin-lips reply :
I guess your reading comprehension skills are lacking. Read slower next time and give yourself a chance to let it sink in. ThanksOn 3/19/2013 at 10:30 PM, fowlskies said:You're obviously in love with the Lews TP, so whats the point of this thread anymore???
Your trying to compare two things that are not even at fair price points to begin with and if you don't mind spending the extra $24 to step up to that price point then you have already answered your question.
J Francho reply :
This thread has run it's course.
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